Tag: Her Majesty The Queen

Scottish Parliament to consider motion of condolence for Her Majesty The Queen

The Scottish Parliament will meet today (Monday 12 September) to consider a motion of condolence following the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

This will provide an opportunity for Members across the Parliament to reflect on The Queen’s life of exceptional public service and her close and enduring bond with Scotland. 

The format for the event in the Chamber will see the Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, welcome His Majesty The King and The Queen Consort to the Chamber before inviting each of the Party Leaders to speak to the motion. 

The King will then respond to the motion. 

The Presiding Officer said: “People across Scotland continue to mourn the passing of Her Majesty The Queen and I wish to express on behalf of the Scottish Parliament our deepest condolences to His Majesty The King and The Royal Family. 

“This motion of condolence will provide an opportunity for the Parliament to come together to pay tribute to The Queen’s life of service and her enduring bond with Scotland and its people. 

“This day will also mark a significant milestone for the country as we welcome The King to the Scottish Parliament for the first time as monarch.”  

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who will move the Motion, said: “For countless people – across our country, and around the world – this is a moment of profound sadness. We see that in the crowds gathered outside here, at St Giles’ Cathedral, and all across Scotland. This Parliament and this nation are in mourning today.

“At the heart of it all, of course, is the sense of loss felt by those who were closest to Her Majesty. Our thoughts are with the entire Royal Family – and we are honoured by the presence here, of His Majesty, King Charles III, and The Queen Consort.

“In an ever changing world, especially in turbulent times, Her Majesty was the great constant – the anchor of our nation. Even towards the end, as her health declined, her genuine love of Scotland and profound sense of public service never faltered.

“She performed her duties with dedication and wisdom, setting an exceptional example to each and every one of us. We stand ready to support His Majesty as he continues his own life of service and builds on the extraordinary legacy of his beloved mother Queen Elizabeth – the Queen of Scots.”

Holyrood Parliament Opening Ceremony programme announced

The programme for Holyrood’s Opening Ceremony, taking place on Saturday (2nd October), has been announced.

The event will formally mark the beginning of the sixth session of the Parliament, with Her Majesty The Queen addressing the Debating Chamber, accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.

The Royal Conservatoire Brass will perform Fanfare for the Opening of Parliament 2021 composed by John Wallace CBE and conducted by John Logan as The Queen enters the Chamber. 

The Scottish Parliament’s Mace, followed by the Officers of Arms, The Crown of Scotland borne by the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, escorted by the Lord Lyon King of Arms and the Captain-General will process into the Chamber.

The event, which will be broadcast live, will begin with opening remarks from the Presiding Officer, Alison Johnstone MSP, followed by an address by Her Majesty The Queen. 

Music will then be performed from Orin Simpson on the flute and Seoras Chlad on the guitar from the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music. Followed by a song from Musicians in Exile, Always on the Move. 

The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, will then have an opportunity to address the Chamber. 

Following this Ae Fond Kiss by Robert Burns and Kirn Street by Michael Biggins will be performed by Michael Biggins, BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2021. 

The newly appointed Scots Makar Kathleen Jamie will then perform a specially commissioned piece. 

The song, We Hold The Future will be performed by the National Youth Choir of Scotland. 

For the departure of The Queen, Farewell to the Creeks will be performed by the Scottish Parliament’s Piper Stuart McMillan MSP from the Members’ Garden.

The event will be streamed live on the Scottish Parliament’s Facebook channel and on our SPTV channel.

The live broadcast will begin from 10.30am on Saturday 2 October.